Celtic defender Liam Scales has hailed Cameron Carter-Vickers as the best centre-back in Scotland, expressing excitement over his return after a devastating Achilles injury kept him sidelined for seven months last season.
Carter-Vickers' Return Boosts Celtic's Title Defense
The USA international suffered an Achilles rupture in October, missing the bulk of the campaign. Now back in pre-season, Scales believes his presence will elevate Martin O'Neill's side as they aim to defend their Premiership crown.
Scales told reporters: "Yes, it's brilliant. He's really just a top player and he looks sharp and he looks fit. He's a great defender. I'd say he's the best centre-half in the league. He's just top-level, so it's great to have him back."
Leadership and Physical Presence Missed
Scales highlighted Carter-Vickers' leadership and physical attributes as key losses during his absence. "He's a leader on the pitch. He's not the loudest, but the way he plays, he leads by example. We did miss that at times. He has certain attributes. Obviously, his physical presence is massive and maybe we did miss that at times," Scales added.
Carter-Vickers joined Celtic initially on loan from Tottenham five years ago, with Ange Postecoglou later making the move permanent for £6 million. Scales arrived from Shamrock Rovers in the same window, and the pair have built a close friendship.
Scales Steps Up in Carter-Vickers' Absence
While Carter-Vickers was sidelined, Scales became Celtic's defensive leader alongside Auston Trusty. The Republic of Ireland international played 56 of Celtic's 59 games in all competitions last season. "Last season was the most I've ever played in a season. That was partly because we were missing Cam and there were less players to rotate," Scales said.
Scales' performances earned him the captain's armband in Callum McGregor's absence during pre-season friendlies. "It's massive. I don't take it for granted. It gives you that extra bit of confidence. It makes you feel a couple of inches taller," he noted.
O'Neill's Simple Philosophy and Pre-Season Progress
Scales praised O'Neill's straightforward defensive approach: "I suppose what he wants defenders to do is defend first. All the centre-halves know we need to get both sides of the game well to play here."
Celtic face AC Milan in their final pre-season test before opening their campaign against Dundee. After training camps in Dublin and Portugal, Scales feels prepared. "I feel good. It almost feels like a continuation from last season," he concluded.
